Simulation in healthcare : journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare
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Resuscitation science is a dynamic part of healthcare training, with an expanding role for simulation. Historically, performance measurement and documentation relied upon the presence of an instructor, an expensive and potentially inaccurate assessment tradition that tied performance testing to a fixed facility. We hypothesize that an automated system might be developed and validated to document performance in airway management for self assessment in the absence of a human trainer. The system would also store and transmit data to a central registry to document skill acquisition and maintenance. ⋯ This system was successfully used to document student performance of BVM, orotracheal intubation, and ventilation via ETT. The system easily integrates documentation, including text reports, airway pressure readings, still images and videos of task performance. Such digital documentation could guide skill acquisition and quantitatively certify performance with minimal reliance upon an instructor and evaluator.
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The use of simulation in graduate medical education affords unique opportunities for increasing the quality of a resident's educational experiences. Additionally, simulation poses a set of challenges that must be met to realize the full potential on learning and assessment practices. ⋯ The SMARTER methodology is discussed in detail and 3 examples of scenario content and measurement tools generated with the SMARTER approach are provided. Additionally, results from an initial evaluation of the practicability and utility of the SMARTER measurement tools are discussed.
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Although a traditional simulation laboratory may have excellent installed audio/visual capabilities, often large classes overwhelm the limited space in the laboratory. With minimal monetary investment, it is possible to create a portable audio/visual stand from an old IV pole. ⋯ The modified IV pole is a cost-effective and portable solution to limited space or the need for audio/visual capabilities outside of a simulation laboratory. The familiarity of an IV pole in a clinical setting reduces the visual disturbance of relocated audio/visual equipment in a room previously void of such instrumentation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Design, development, and evaluation of an online virtual emergency department for training trauma teams.
Training interdisciplinary trauma teams to work effectively together using simulation technology has led to a reduction in medical errors in emergency department, operating room, and delivery room contexts. High-fidelity patient simulators (PSs)-the predominant method for training healthcare teams-are expensive to develop and implement and require that trainees be present in the same place at the same time. In contrast, online computer-based simulators are more cost effective and allow simultaneous participation by students in different locations and time zones. In this pilot study, the researchers created an online virtual emergency department (Virtual ED) for team training in crisis management, and compared the effectiveness of the Virtual ED with the PS. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in learning outcomes for graduating medical students trained with each method. ⋯ This study shows the potential value of using virtual learning environments for developing medical students' and resident physicians' team leadership and crisis management skills.